It is not possible to simply connect a welding gun to a regular wall outlet and get enough power output to perform the welding task. Thus, welders need a dedicated welder/generator combo that delivers sufficient power to the welding guns. Here are some important factors of welder/generator combo devices that are important for their application.
- Wattage: The power requirement for welding is very high. On top of that, there are different types of welds such as TIG, MIG, Gas welding, etc. that require a certain capacity of the welder to perform. As these options are also intended for standalone usage, they should be capable of generating such power even without an electric supply.
- Duty Cycle: The duty cycle of a machine represents its capability of operating continuously without needing a break. It is crucial for heavy machinery such as a welder generator combo as overheating of these devices can be fatal. The duty cycle is often presented in percentage.
- Weight: Generally, high-power devices are very heavy in nature because of various heavy-duty internal components installed in them. This makes them a difficult option for portability. If you pick up a low power capacity variant, it will be certainly easier to move. But, it might not deliver sufficient power output for your job.
We are bringing the best welder generator combos available in the market for you right here. We will add all of the necessary information with each of our picks so that you don’t have to look elsewhere before you buy one. You can also take a look at our “Buying Guide” for a little bit of extra help with your purchase.
Best Welder Generator Combo Table
| Best Welder Generator Combo | Amperage | Wattage | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOMAHAWK Engine Driven Portable Generator | 210 Amp | 2,000 Watt | Check On Amazon |
| Hobart Engine Driven Generator/Welder | 145 Amp | 4500 watts | Check On Amazon |
| Lincoln Ranger Engine Welder Generator | 330 Amp | 10,000 watts. | Check On Amazon |
Best Welder Generator Combo: Reviews
1. TOMAHAWK Engine Driven Portable Generator
The TOMAHAWK engine-driven portable generator is a powerhouse of reliability and efficiency, tailored for professionals who need a versatile tool for their projects. Boasting a 15 HP engine with a 210 Amp output, it excels in tasks ranging from light welding repairs to demanding construction jobs. Its dual-functionality supports simultaneous welding and tool operation, boosting productivity on-site. Designed with portability in mind, its rugged wheels ensure smooth transport, making it an ideal solution for remote or varied terrain projects.
With inverter technology at its core, this generator ensures smooth power delivery, perfect for both welding and electrical outputs. This stability is essential for producing high-quality welds with minimal rework, making your projects more efficient. The unit features a digital meter and an easy-to-use amperage dial, giving you precise control to adjust settings for different materials and thicknesses. To add convenience, it comes equipped with a TIG torch, MMA stick holder, and other essentials, making it a complete starter kit for your welding needs.
Built for rugged tasks, this generator provides dependable and efficient power output. Yet, the dependency on DC power may create obstacles for users requiring AC-compatible tools, making it less flexible in some scenarios. Additionally, setup adjustments might be needed to meet specific requirements, and the noise level could be a drawback in noise-sensitive areas. Nevertheless, the generator’s blend of portability and reliable performance makes it a strong contender for welders and construction professionals.
Specifications
- Engine Power: 15 HP, inverter type
- Output Voltage: 120 Volts
- Amperage Capacity: 210 Amps
- Compatible Rod Sizes: 6010 to 7024
- Connector Type: Dinse DKJ16-35
- Engine Displacement: 420 cc
- Peak Power Output: 2000 Watts
- Starting Mechanism: Electric
- Fuel Tank Size: 7 Gallons
- Operational Duty Cycle: 60%
Pros
- Dual welder and generator
- Portable with solid wheels
- Complete welding kit included
- Precise digital amperage control
- Extended two-year warranty
Cons
- Limited to DC output
- Noticeable operation noise
- Potential oil leakage issues
2. Hobart Engine Driven Generator/Welder
Hobart’s engine-driven generator/welder redefines versatility, offering exceptional performance for both welding and power needs. Boasting a robust 4500-watt output and a durable build, it adapts seamlessly to commercial and residential applications. From heavy-duty construction tasks to powering remote worksites, this generator/welder ensures consistent reliability under the toughest conditions.
With its versatile amperage range and robust metal construction, this generator adapts seamlessly to diverse welding tasks, making it a reliable companion for professionals and hobbyists alike. Whether you’re tackling campsite setups or heavy-duty farm repairs, its performance is backed by ample power and durability. The inclusion of an easy-to-follow instruction guide helps users unlock its full potential. This blend of simplicity and strength makes it a top choice for those who demand efficiency and reliability in their equipment.
Balancing impressive capabilities with a few notable drawbacks, this generator welder struggles with less-than-durable handles and a noisy muffler that could fall short of expectations in quieter or tougher work environments. The reliance on a recoil start instead of an electric start may also be a dealbreaker for some users. However, its consistent performance ensures it remains a strong contender for those prioritizing reliability and power.
Specifications
- Output Wattage: 4500 Watts
- Fuel Type: Gasoline-powered
- Amperage Range: 40 to 145 Amps
- Construction Material: Metal
- Engine Brand: Briggs and Stratton
- Start Type: Recoil mechanism
- Continuous Power: 4000 Watts
- Peak Power Output: 4750 Watts
- Machine Weight: 247 pounds
- Safety Standards: OSHA compliant
Pros
- Versatile commercial and home use
- Ample generator and welder power
- Metal construction enhances durability
- Simple operation with included guide
- Efficient Briggs and Stratton engine
Cons
- Handles feel flimsy and weak
- Recoil start less convenient
- Requires ethanol-free gas
3. Lincoln Ranger Engine Welder Generator
The Lincoln Ranger engine welder generator redefines versatility with its dual functionality, combining exceptional welding performance with powerful electrical output. Equipped with a durable gasoline engine, it delivers an impressive 10,000 watts of power, catering to the needs of demanding commercial projects. Whether it’s light-duty repairs or intensive welding tasks on large job sites, this powerhouse ensures consistent and reliable performance.
Engineered to excel in tough conditions, this generator boasts heavy-duty construction for unmatched durability and reliability. Its electric start system ensures hassle-free operation, removing the need for manual recoil starts. Delivering consistent high-current output, it’s perfectly suited for both stick and TIG welding, making it a top choice for professional welders seeking dependable performance and efficiency.
However, the impressive capabilities of the Lincoln Ranger come with certain considerations. Its significant weight may pose challenges in terms of portability, necessitating additional arrangements for transportation and setup. Additionally, the substantial power output requires prudent management to avoid overloading when used with sensitive electronic devices. Despite these challenges, the Lincoln Ranger remains a top choice for professionals who need a dependable, high-performance welder generator in industrial settings.
Specifications
- Output Wattage: 10,000 Watts
- Fuel Type: Gasoline-powered
- Maximum Stick Output: 300 Amps
- Minimum TIG Output: 10 Amps
- Duty Cycle: 60% at 280 Amps
- Engine Type: Gasoline, electric start
- Weight: 486 pounds
- Phase: Single
- Special Feature: Heavy-duty construction
Pros
- High output for large projects
- Electric start enhances convenience
- Supports extensive amperage range
- Reliable in demanding conditions
- Built for industrial use
Cons
- Very heavy, hard to transport
- Requires careful power management
- Not suited for light, casual use
Buying Guide For The Best Welder Generator Combo
Welding is one of the few selective methods of fusing two types of metal together that is widely used for several applications and provides sufficient strength to the joints. But, welding requires an enormous amount of power as it can only be performed at a very high heat level achieved by providing a similarly powerful electrical supply. This is achieved by a dedicated machine called welders.
As these devices are completely dependent on electricity, they need to be plugged in to use them. If you are looking for a standalone welder, you need to invest in a welder generator combo that can also provide the same power by converting the chemical energy of fuel into electrical energy. This makes the device completely portable and suitable for use on a construction site where electrical connections are not available. If you are going to buy a welder generator combo, make sure you do not miss out on the following features.
Design & Weight
In almost every machine, a common trait can be observed which is the more powerful the machine, the heavier it is in comparison with other options. The design and weight of a welder generator is no exception for this trait and it affects the total power capacity as well as the portability of the device.
The high-powered options are capable of getting the job done with better precision and accuracy as you can adjust the output according to your requirement and get the best out of your machine, But, these options are quite heavy in weight due to added components. Hence, it might be smart to pick up an underpowered and lightweight option if it satisfies your power requirements as it will be highly portable.
Power Output
You need to carefully consider the power output as well as power input of a welder before purchasing it. The main reason behind that is the type of welding you are going to perform and the subjects for your job require a certain level of temperature which can only be achieved with the appropriate amount of power.
Now that you are looking for a welder generator combo, you need to pay attention to the power capacity of the generator as well because it should be capable of providing the same output whether it is connected to a power source or generating power via fuel. If you are getting sufficient power out of the device, you can easily perform your job without any problem.
Duty Cycle
The duty cycle might be a familiar term for you if you have been working in the field of manufacturing and machining for a while. Most manufacturing-based equipment, especially welding-based equipment, features a dedicated duty cycle period which is represented in percentage.
The duty cycle can vary from 60% all the way up to 100% for welders. In simpler words, the duty cycle represents the possible continuous active time for a machine within a time period of 10 minutes. For example, if your device has a 60% duty cycle at a given voltage and amp, you must rest the device for at least 4 minutes after using it continuously for 6 minutes or more.
Noise Levels
Workshops and construction sites are already very noisy places. There are a number of tools that are being operated simultaneously which creates a collectively loud noise. Hence, you do not want to add yet another noise equipment to the collection.
The loud noise becomes highly distracting after a certain level and also causes a lot of discomfort in communication. As a welder generator combo is driven by an engine, it is bound to create a significant amount of noise when it is being powered by the generator. But still, you can select an option that makes the least amount of noise to avoid these problems.
Warranty
The warranty is a critical aspect for manufacturing and machining-based equipment. Unlike other electrical devices, these tools are constantly forced against hard surfaces to perform various actions such as cutting, grinding, welding, and so on.
Hence, there is a much higher chance of damage for these tools as compared to any other product. It is also true for welder generator combo machines as it has many crucial internal components that can easily get damaged in an event of a power surge or low oil level. Having a long warranty period on your machine will be a safeguard against these problems as you will be able to claim free of costly repairs and replacements for your product if it gets damaged under the warranty period.
FAQs:
Stick (SMAW), MIG, and TIG welding are the most common welding types that can be easily handled by the welder generator. You might notice that some advanced combo units have additional capabilities to handle Flux Core welding.
Not all, but most modern combos are fuel-efficient. In case of looking for a fuel-efficient model, then select the one that offers long runtimes per gallon and advanced fuel-saving features like idle control to save a lot of fuel and thereby your operating and maintenance costs.
Yes, a welder generator combo can also be used to provide backup power to your home. Use them during power outages to power various home appliances. But use a transfer switch and check their connection for safe usage without any electrical hazards.
Until and unless you use them properly, these welder generator combos are completely safe. The manufacturers have included various safety features in these combos, including overload protection, low-oil shutdown, and circuit breakers for the safety of the user and their welding parts.
Maybe. Usually, these welder generator combos are designed for outdoor usage. But using them in extreme weather conditions (cold or heat) isn’t recommended, as it might affect their performance. In case, you want to use them, you can select one that has weather protection and also maintain them properly.
Conclusion
Choosing the right welder generator combo ensures reliable power and efficient welding for any project. Top options include the TOMAHAWK Engine Driven Portable Generator, known for its portability and strong performance. The Hobart Engine Driven Generator/Welder offers reliability and ease of use for professionals. For heavy-duty tasks, the Lincoln Ranger Engine Welder Generator provides exceptional power and versatility. These models cater to various needs, making it easier to find the perfect fit.
